Great Nicobar Project: Congress Warns of 'Environmental Disaster' Amid Legal Storm

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has sharply escalated his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ambitious Great Nicobar Island Project, accusing the government of an 'onward march to environmental disaster' in a region vital for India's biodiversity. Ramesh, a former Union Environment Minister, highlighted on Thursday that five legal petitions challenging various aspects of the mega-development are currently pending before the Calcutta High Court, underscoring significant ongoing legal and ecological concerns. The multi-billion dollar project, which includes an International Container Transhipment Terminal at Galathea Bay, a greenfield airport, a power plant, and a township, faces intense scrutiny over its potential to devastate the island's unique ecosystem. Environmentalists and tribal rights advocates point to risks to critically endangered species like the Leatherback sea turtle, destruction of vital coral reefs, and the displacement or cultural disruption of indigenous communities such as the Shompen and Nicobarese. Despite government assurances about strategic importance and environmental safeguards, the Congress party, including Rahul Gandhi, alleges the project is designed to benefit specific business interests rather than purely strategic or defence needs. With multiple legal challenges ongoing and the government pushing for the project's phased implementation by 2028, all eyes are on the judiciary's next moves and the government's response to mounting pressure. Further public engagements and legal battles are expected as the 'ecological conscience of the nation' remains on trial, determining the balance between development aspirations and irreversible environmental damage in one of India's most sensitive ecological zones.